Are you a PGA Professional?

wlbrockman

4/29/2011

5

I've been an annual passholder at the facility since 2007. Age-wise, suffice it to say that I'm eligible to compete as a super senior. Playing from the 6500 yard tees, I typically shoot in the low 80s. Before Katrina, I thoroughly enjoyed playing public and municipal courses in the area.

Now, however, it would be hard to return to those venues if they were open, even though they were substantially less expensive. Playing and practicing at the TCP has spoiled me. From the staff, to the food & beverage service, to the locker room, to the pro shop, to the practice area, to the course itself, the TPC is an excellent value. As I have commented on many occasions, any serious golfer should gladly pay the annual pass fee ($2000 the first year and $1800 per year thereafter) just to use the practice area.

I have long believed that one of the main reasons the New Orleans area has not produced any noteworthy PGA tour players despite a climate that allows play nearly year-round is the lack of first rate facilities at which young golfers can develop their games. With the building of the TPC, I hope and expect to see that change before too long.

The course is challenging without being overwhelming to the average golfer. There is a variety of hole types: long & short 3s, 4s and 5s; doglegs slight and 90 degrees, right and left. Lots of risk/reward choices and, as Luke said, very challenging green complexes. It is maintained beautifully throughout the year. Features I like especially are: It is true to the area. You know you are in south Louisiana, unlike the last venue for the tournament which looks more like Florida. It is entirely self contained. No houses will ever crowd the fairways. It is easy to walk; no extreme distances from green to next tee. The wildlife that is native to the area, particularly waterfowl, literally teem in the lagoons, especially during late summer afternoons.